Disclosure of BVR serial numbers represents a substantial security risk.

play the videoThe president of the Electoral Commission (EC), Jean Mensa

The Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) has responded to the request of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to release the serial numbers of the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits it is using in the current Limited Voter Registration exercise .

In a statement published on Thursday, May 9, 2024 and seen by GhanaWeb, the EC stated that disclosing serial numbers to third parties could jeopardize the security of the devices and compromise the integrity of the registration exercise.

The EC shed light on the risks of unauthorized access to BVR kits, stating that it could affect the accuracy of the data collected.

“The serial number plays a crucial role in the operation of these devices, particularly in generating activation codes essential for their functionality, as well as for tracking their location and movement. Disclosure of these serial numbers to external parties, including political entities, represents a substantial risk to the security and integrity of our registration processes.

“That is why this has never been done since the biometric voting system was introduced in Ghana,” parts of the statement read.

The EC also stated that denying the NDC’s request to access the BVR serial numbers is in the best interest of the electoral process and is not ill-intentioned.

“These measures underline the transparency of the current Limited Voter Registration exercise. The Election Commission has nothing to hide. It is important to note that the BVR serial number demand, if granted, could pose significant risks to the security and integrity of our election system and operations. “Preventing such risks by rejecting the application far outweighs any concerns and interests of individual stakeholders,” he added.

The NDC had previously requested the BVR serial numbers to ensure data transparency in monitoring the electoral process.

Click here to follow GhanaWeb General News WhatsApp channel

Ghana’s leading digital news platform, GhanaWeb, together with the Korle-Bu University Hospital, is embarking on an aggressive campaign aimed at ensuring that parliament passes comprehensive legislation to guide organ harvesting, donation and transplantation in the country.

SB/AE